The holidays are a time of year that brings forth the best in so many of us; when we feel a little more patient, a little more giving, a little kinder. We want to reach out and touch our communities, to help those in need.

Unfortunately, there are countless corporations and charities that take advantage of that impulse and turn your gifts into bigwig profits. So, how do we avoid this? How to we keep our gifts from going into the pockets of those who are already swimming in more abundance than they will ever need?

We donate directly. And here's your opportunity. Brandy and Andrew need your help and they need it now.

Brandy's nickname is Sunshine and it's apt. She and Andrew bring a spirit of joy, humor, love, and acceptance wherever they go. They are dear, sweet friends of mine and they deserve so much better than the hand that they've been dealt.

Brandy and Andrew have fallen on hard times financially. Medical bills, a suffering economy, inflation, and rising rents have left them (and their adorable kitties) in danger of eviction from their home.

They had a plan, like so many of us do. They hoped to purchase a mobile home and move to a piece of land owned by Andrew's parents, but job loss and rising prices kept them from being able to pay their bills, much less save for the next stage. In two weeks, they will be homeless unless they get some help.

They've asked everyone in their circle for assistance and everyone is giving. The problem is, what their circle has to spare is simply not enough to keep them afloat.

They need us, their community, to step up and show them that they're important, they're worthy of safety and comfort, and that we mean it when we say we're ready to give to those in dire need.

Can you spare a little something to show them that the spirit of giving is real? That community support isn't a myth? Five, ten dollars is enough. The price of two fancy hot chocolates at the coffee shops would make a massive difference if we all came together to offer it.

Can we truly be the community we purport to be? Please consider giving today.